In a plot twist that no one saw coming (but totally saw coming because she’s Ariana Grande), the pop princess turned Broadway bubble babe is officially an Oscar nominee! The 31-year-old powerhouse has snagged a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her sparkly performance as Glinda in Wicked, leaving her—and probably her vocal cords—in an emotional puddle.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday (January 23), Ariana cracked open her glittery heart to share her gratitude. “Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition,” she wrote. “I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise.” No one, Ari. Literally no one.
Ariana then time-traveled emotionally to her younger self—“tiny Ari,” as she called her—who was probably twirling around her childhood bedroom in sparkly jelly sandals, watching Judy Garland belt out Somewhere Over the Rainbow like her life depended on it. Cue the tiny bubble machine. “I’m so proud of you, tiny,” she said. Somewhere, a baby Ariana is clapping her hands like a caffeinated seal.
But wait, there’s more crying to report! Ariana went on to thank Wicked director Jon M. Chu, calling him “the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and fierce friend.” Basically, Jon is the Glinda to her Glinda—pure good vibes and sparkle energy. She also gave a big ol’ shoutout to Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film. “Your brilliance is never ending, and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden,” she gushed. Is this an Oscars nomination, or a Shakespearean love sonnet?
By the end of her post, Ariana admitted she was still ugly crying. “I don’t quite have all my words yet, I’m still trying to breathe. But thank you. Oh my goodness, thank you. Universal, Marc, my family, my heart. Lemons and melons and pears, oh my.”
…Wait, what? Lemons, melons, and pears? Oh my? Either Ariana’s been shopping in the Wizard of Oz produce aisle, or this is a reference so niche it flew right over all our heads. Either way, she’s having her moment, and we’re just here to cheer her on with tissues and glitter.
Get ready, Oscars 2025. Ariana Grande has officially entered the chat, and she’s bringing her bubble! 🫧